Timpanookee Trail

 And... so continues the tradition to climb Mount Timpanogos.  This year we tried the Timpanookee trail.  I've never tried it from this side, only from the Provo Canyon side (Aspen side).  So this was new for all of us.  Got up super early, picked everyone up and made it up to the trailhead close to 6am.  Baylie and Rian had never hiked up this mountain, so this was their first time.  Jarom, Tarin and Denham and Brenin did it with me two years ago...  Anyway, we were fresh and ready to go.

Getting higher...

If I remember right, this is Scout Falls...

Stopping for a break.  Apparently, this is where the youth conference hike ended.  So after this, it was new territory for everyone.  Of course you have boys being boys and wanting to build or destroy something...

Seriously, I couldn't get enough of the green and wildflowers!  Its so beautiful and the fresh air was amazing!

Getting higher...

By this time, Rian, Baylie and Brenin were pretty far ahead because they wanted to keep a faster pace.  So I stayed with Jarom and Denham.  Remember Brenin and Denham are from Indiana, so they aren't use to this altitude.

We reached the point where the trail forked off to Emerald Lake (Aspen Trail) or up to the Saddle.  Jarom and Denham were worn out and decided to hang out and eat their lunch.  They had lots to explore and I wasn't too worried about them being together, so I hurried ahead to try and catch up to the other three.  These guys found this on the trail... Have to say, it has a nice view... looks like at one point it was a small structure, but has been beat up by weather and lots of hikers...

 These guys found this on the trail... Have to say, it has a nice view... looks like at one point it was a small structure, but has been beat up by weather and lots of hikers...

I caught up to the other three right before hitting the saddle.  Jarom and Denham were down in the green patch on the left, in that meadow.

On the other side of the saddle is the Utah valley below.  Simply spectacular!!

After a snack at the saddle, it was the last hour or so up to the summit.  Pretty steep, but really worth it.

On top of the world!  Made it to the top!  Looking over at the Heber side.

We were so excited to relish the moment and show evidence that we made it to the shack!

Brenin calling his mom, Missy, and then his dad.

I love this hike and love doing it every year... I especially love sharing it with my kids and niece/nephews.  I love spending time with all of them.  Jarom and Denham had 'vowed' to make it up next year.  They also challenged their moms to come next year.

Time to head down...

Such a perfect day!